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Tribesmen free kidnapped American teacher, her parents in Yemen

Thursday, Oct. 28, 1999 | 9:14 a.m.

Marta R. Colburn and her parents, Don and Gladys Colburn, of Portland, Ore., were on their way to the capital, San'a, from the northern province of Marib when they were kidnapped Tuesday, the officials said on condition of anonymity.

They said the Americans were freed following intensive negotiations by authorities with the kidnappers, who belong to the Bani Jabr tribe of the Habab Valley in Marib, east of San'a.

The officials said the Americans were in good health but gave no other details.

Marta Colburn teaches at the American Institute for Yemeni Studies in San'a and was formerly deputy director of Middle East studies at Portland State University. Her parents were visiting her when they were kidnapped.

Yemeni officials said Wednesday the kidnappers were demanding the release of 25 fellow tribesmen who have been detained in connection with an explosion that damaged an oil pipeline on Oct. 21. It was not clear if their demands were met.

Yemeni tribesmen often kidnap foreigners to pressure the government into providing money or better services, such as new roads, for their impoverished areas. The kidnappers usually treat the hostages as guests and release them unharmed.

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